ahead of the game

Related to ahead of the game: no less

ahead of the game

Gaining or maintaining an advantage in a situation, often by completing a task before its given deadline. My term paper isn't due until next week, but I want to be ahead of the game and finish it tonight. It's hard to stay ahead of the game in network security when the threat landscape is constantly changing.
See also: ahead, game, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*ahead of the game

being early; having an advantage in a competitive situation; having done more than necessary. (*Typically: be ~; get ~; keep ~; remain ~; Stay ~.) Without the full cooperation of my office stafj', I find it hard to stay ahead of the game. If being ahead of the game is important to you and to your business, lease a mobile phone from us.
See also: ahead, game, of
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

ahead of the game

In a position of advantage, especially financially; succeeding or winning. For example, If we can sell 2,000 units of this product by next month, we'll be well ahead of the game . This idiom uses ahead of in the sense of "in advance of," a usage dating from the mid-1700s, and transfers success in gambling ( the game) to winning in other areas. Also see come out ahead.
See also: ahead, game, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

ahead of the game

COMMON If you are ahead of the game, you know about and are using all the most recent developments in a particular area, especially compared to other people or organizations you are competing with. I'm not worried about the competition because we're so far ahead of the game. He was quietly confident, always one step ahead of the game and totally independent. Note: You can also say that someone keeps ahead of the game or stays ahead of the game. We're always looking at new technologies to keep ahead of the game. If you want your company to stay ahead of the game, you have to keep informed of these developments.
See also: ahead, game, of
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

ahead of the game

ahead of your competitors or peers in the same sphere of activity.
1996 Daily Telegraph The smart money headed for Chinatown, where you can pick up all those Eastern looks the designers are promoting for next spring ahead of the game.
See also: ahead, game, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

ahead of the game

In a position of advantage; winning or succeeding.
See also: ahead, game, of
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • paper chase
  • task (one) with (something)
  • task with
  • determined
  • be bound and determined
  • gain the upper hand
  • get, have, gain, etc. the upper hand
  • bound and determined
  • bound and determined to
  • bound and determined to (do something)
References in periodicals archive
"We have been trying to bring a striker in for a while, we are ahead of the game.
WE'RE AHEAD OF THE GAME; Pardew's verdict on transfer market
His opposite number Gus Poyet has said ahead of the game that his side have plans to deal with former Magpie Andy Carroll, who returned from injury with two goals against Swansea.
Sunderland vs West Ham: Watch James Hunter preview the Black Cats' latest tough test; After playing last season's top three in consecutive games Chronicle SAFC writer James Hunter looks ahead to another tricky fixture
"The UK desperately needs to increase its percentage of women in business and initiatives like Ahead of the Game will help to create the next generation of female entrepreneurs."
PUPILS GIVEN TOP TIPS BY 'APPRENTICE'
There will be added motivation ahead of the game for Tynedale, who lost 24-5 to Blaydon in the first derby clash of the campaign in September.
We're not frightened of Tynedale, warns Gandy; SCRUM DOWN
The likes of Ryan Esson and Neil Alexander were surprise inclusions so Combe isn't waiting by the phone ahead of the game against Poland on his home ground next month.
FOOTBALL: COMBE CONTENT WITH BRUSH OFF
Residents there are staying one step ahead of the game by developing a mineral strategy to prepare for the onslaught of eager prospectors.
Victor's influence spreads
In that respect, we were kind of ahead of the game. None of the majors have an office here, besides Insignia."
Breaking new ground in Long Island City
At least one minority entrepreneur is ahead of the game. BE 100s CEO Charlie Johnson of Active Transportation in Louisville, Kentucky, recently signed a multimillion-dollar contract with Ford to haul vehicles across the country.
In the driver's seat
IT'S THE ONLY PLACE TO BE WHEN THE WINDOW CLOSES Stay well ahead of the game with Mirror Football for all the transfer deals.
IT'S THE ONLY PLACE TO [...]; THE ORIGINAL GOSSIP COLUMN... LATEST NEWS... THE BIGGEST MOVES... EVERY SINGLE DAY
Double top for Jessica SEE PAGES 24-25 Ahead of the game: Jessica Ennis wins the 100m hurdles.
Double top for Jessica [...]
YOUR article about the council's Christmas present of an electric car reminds me of another similar occasion of the council being ahead of the game.
Letter: Your Say - To The Point
Staff from the Asda store in Dumbarton took the saltire flag, a Cash for Kids T-shirt and a Scotland top along to where the team was training ahead of the game against Ukraine.
BID FOR BALL TO AID KIDS; TWO DAYS TO GO.. THE ITALIAN JOB.
Cllr Ken Keith, cabinet member for public health, said: "It is always beneficial for businesses to be ahead of the game and we are hoping companies will make sure Knowsley is one step ahead when it comes to being smoke-free."
Smoking plea to business
But ahead of the game with Saudi Arabia on Monday, coach Oleg Blochin said: "Yes, they played well together at Dynamo Kiev but that doesn't mean to say Shevchenko will play now."
Football: worldcup ROUND-UP - Sheva warning; THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH
Staying ahead of the game, says Jackson, involves constant investment in the newest technology.
Prestige Glass International Inc.: company of the year (16-50 employees)